#1 in Australia for nutrition science research
100+ hours of practical experience
Elective options broaden your expertise
Why choose nutrition and population health at Deakin
Advance your expertise with Deakin's Master of Nutrition and Population Health and build the knowledge and skills to work across clinical, community and policy settings. This multidisciplinary course integrates nutrition science, public health, epidemiology, behavioural science and policy to help you address complex health challenges at both individual and population levels.
You will explore how nutrition influences health across the lifespan, from biological processes through to social and environmental factors that determine food choice. Develop skills in research design, data interpretation and evidence-based practice, alongside practical capabilities in food systems, policy development and health promotion.
You can tailor your learning through electives, including a postgraduate nutrition practicum with 100+ hours of workplace-based experience. Graduate ready to design, implement and evaluate nutrition interventions that improve health outcomes locally and globally.
-
#1 for nutrition research
Study at a university ranked #1 in Australia for nutrition science research, informed by leading experts and current evidence.
-
Workplace experience
Build practical skills through elective placements, including a postgraduate nutrition practicum with 100+ hours in professional settings.
-
Multidisciplinary expertise
Combine nutrition science with public health, policy and behavioural science to address complex health challenges.
-
Systems thinking approach
Learn to design and evaluate nutrition strategies that improve health outcomes across communities and populations.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Develop nutrition and population health expertise for careers shaping healthier communities, systems and policy.
Nutrition professional
Develop nutrition strategies, policies and programs that address population health priorities and improve community wellbeing.
- 16.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- $90K
Typical annual salary in Australia for nutritionists
Health promotion officer
Plan, deliver and evaluate programs that improve community health outcomes and encourage healthier behaviours.
- 13.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- $93K
Typical annual salary in Australia
Other jobs
- Nutritionist
- Public health officer
- Program evaluator
- Research officer
- Policy officer
“Deakin supports my career goals. I found my passion and purpose in life. How food influences people and how I can help people because nutrition and population health is such an interesting space to be in.”
ElizaMaster of Nutrition and Population Health
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
The Master of Nutrition and Population Health does not include a compulsory placement. You can study on campus or online, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with work and other commitments. Attendance requirements vary by unit and may include classes, workshops or online learning activities. Check the individual unit details for specific attendance requirements.
To become a public health nutritionist, study nutrition alongside population health, health promotion, food systems and policy. Deakin’s Master of Nutrition and Population Health develops capability in population nutrition, epidemiology, health promotion and public health practice, supporting roles in community programs, policy, food systems and prevention-focused health work.
A Master of Nutrition and Population Health can lead to roles in public health nutrition, health promotion, community programs, food policy, nutrition education and prevention-focused health work. Deakin’s course combines population nutrition, epidemiology, health promotion and public health approaches, supporting professional pathways across government, community and health sectors.
Nutrition and population health focuses on how food, health promotion, policy and environments affect communities. A different health or nutrition program may focus more on individual clinical practice. Deakin’s Master of Nutrition and Population Health develops population nutrition, epidemiology, food systems and public health capability.
Population health and nutrition are important because food systems, chronic disease, inequity and climate pressures affect community wellbeing. Deakin’s Master of Nutrition and Population Health develops population nutrition, health promotion, epidemiology and policy capability, helping graduates work on prevention-focused health challenges across communities and sectors.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Master of Nutrition and Population Health?
The course is structured across two years, building from core foundations in nutrition science, public health and research to advanced application in population health strategy, policy and professional practice.
Foundations in nutrition and population health
Nutrition science foundations
Explore nutrient function, metabolism and requirements across the lifespan, linking biology to health outcomes and disease prevention.
Factors that influence dietary behaviour
Examine social, cultural and psychological influences on food choice to understand patterns of consumption.
Research and evidence skills
Develop your capability in designing a research study, analysing data and critically evaluating nutrition and population health research.
Application, policy and professional practice
Population health strategies
Design and evaluate nutrition interventions that address public health priorities and prevent chronic disease.
Food systems and policy
Analyse how policy, regulation and global food systems influence nutrition, sustainability and health outcomes.
Professional practice and electives
Tailor your degree with elective options, including an optional 100-hour nutrition placement to gain industry experience.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Nutrition and Population Health, you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2026 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2026 should refer to previous online Handbooks or contact a contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information.
Students must enrol in the Burwood (Melbourne) offerings of all units
You may receive preclusions based on previous studies.
Preclusion means that you are not required to undertake the specific units within the masters course, but you will need to choose other of the HSN7** electives instead.
For example - If a Bachelor of Nutrition Science student has completed HSN211 Nutritional Physiology, they can be precluded from HSN701 Principles of Nutrition and they will need to choose another HSN7** unit to replace HSN701.
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Elective units:
Delivery of course content will be flexible and all unit content will be available in CloudDeakin; learning modules will consist of recorded cloud concepts available in CloudDeakin. Learning activities in each unit will be further supported by face to face learning activities with academic staff.
All units within this course structure are core and all will include the required 22 hours of on-campus study. The on campus delivery methods will vary by unit but include either of the following:
- Addition of 2 hours per week of seminars to the existing learning experiences
- Intensive interactive workshops across the trimester.
These on campus learning activities complement the existing high quality online delivered learning experiences which include the use of video, articulate storylines, screen captures and videonote already established within these units.
Professional recognition
Growing public interest in the relationship between diet and health is evident and, as a result, there are increasing demands from the public for reliable and trustworthy information. In response, the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) has developed a ‘Register of Nutritionists’ to establish a list of appropriately qualified nutrition professionals.
As a graduate of this course, you may be eligible for registration as an ‘Associate Nutritionist’. Following three years of relevant work experience, Associate Nutritionists are able to apply for ‘Registered Nutritionist’ status. Registration with NSA does not authorise registrants to obtain provider numbers with Medicare or Private Health Insurers. Please refer to the Nutrition Society of Australia website for further information or queries about registration.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Applicable only to students undertaking practicum units, who will therefore require a Working With Children Check. Not mandatory for all students.
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals, placements and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time. Teaching, placements and assessment tasks may take place outside of Deakin University teaching periods.
Each unit will require 11-13 study hours per week that may include some or all of the following: guided learning with online learning resources, participation in online seminars, individual study, research of the nutrition literature, learning activities in the workplace, assessment activities and participation in online discussions. Each unit will be further supported by face to face learning activities on campus with academic staff.
International students must attend the seminars at a campus to fulfil their visa requirements.
Students are required to complete units in Trimester 3.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply food and nutrition and health knowledge from a range of perspectives. |
| Select and use a variety of engaging communication modes to disseminate knowledge to individuals, groups, government and non-government organisations and health professionals. |
| Select and use appropriate technologies to source, understand, evaluate, and communicate information to professional networks and communities. |
| Source and critically analyse the food and nutrition literature to apply an evidence-based approach to the field. |
| Identify and apply practical solutions to a range of changing and complex food and nutrition and health issues. |
| Employ self-directed, reflective work and learning practices in a responsible manner to professionally contribute to food and nutrition sciences. |
| Work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams with a range of stakeholders to advance the field of food and nutrition sciences. |
| Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates awareness of, and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts in food and nutrition sciences. |
- Award granted
- Master of Nutrition and Population Health
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H748
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$31,600
for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning. Applicants who have completed a Bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline (for e.g. Bachelor of Nutrition Science or Bachelor of Nutrition Science - Honours) may receive up to 4 credits towards this course and therefore will only be required to complete 12 credit points. The Course Director will review and approve the credits based on the relevant studies completed within the Bachelor or Honours degree.
Please note: International students receive credits for this course which results in undertaking less than 2 years study period, may not be eligible to apply for the 'Skilled-Graduate (Temporary) visa (Subclass 485)' upon graduating from this course. For more information about this visa, please refer to Temporary Graduate visa webpage. You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Pathways
This course does not provide a pathway to higher degree by research.